Certificate Updates

This Certificate Program is designed for public managers and others interested in obtaining an understanding of governmental financial management concepts, functions, techniques, and issues. The program is designed to familiarize students with financial management problems and the techniques available for solving them. An emphasis is placed on how to recognize, evaluate, and utilize financial information in decision-making.

Those most interested in pursuing the Certificate would likely fall into one of three categories. First, current private sector finance professionals who wish to develop an understanding of the financial management function and practices within the public sector. Second, current public sector financial managers who wish to further develop expertise in public sector financial management. Finally, in-service public sector employees who wish to start a career in government finance and who may use the courses for the Certificate as a guide for their course work towards the Master of Public Administration degree.

Note:

Appropriate substitutes for the required courses may be allowed subject to permission of the Public Finance Specialization Faculty Advisor. Also, ACCT 610 and IS 601 have substantial prerequisites. Prospective students should refer to the University Catalog for details.

Suggested Program of Study

Year 1- FallPPA 500 - Foundations of Public Policy and Administration
PPA 555 - Government Budgeting

Notes:

Students will not be permitted to register for graduate courses in the College of Business Administration unless a letter of support from the PPA Graduate Advisor is presented to the College MBA Evaluator. The letter from the PPA Graduate Advisor will not be released until the student has received a letter of support from the PPA Public Finance Specialization Advisor. The letter of support will be provided from the PPA Public Finance Specialization Advisor upon an advising consultation, review of transcripts and academic standing, and Advancement to Candidacy.

Prerequisites for the graduate College of Business Administration must have been completed within the past ten years with a letter grade of C or better.

One undergraduate course in financial accounting and one in managerial accounting are equivalent to ACCT 500.